Indiana Road Test Languages: 19 for Written, English for Road

The Indiana BMV written test is available in 19 languages. The road test is English only.

This catches people off guard constantly. You study in your native language, pass the written exam, then realize the examiner only speaks English. Plan ahead.

Written Knowledge-Test Languages: Short Context

The written knowledge exam is available in multiple languages. For the current list and how to select a language, use the dedicated Test Language Options page. This article focuses on communication during the driving skills test.

Interpreter Rules for the Road-Test Context

Interpreter and accommodation procedures for the knowledge exam belong on the Test Language Options and Disability Accommodations pages. This page keeps only the road-test communication rules and links out for written-exam accommodations.

How Do Indiana BMV's Written and Road Test Instructions Differ?

The 50-question knowledge test displays on screen in your selected language, study in your native language and test in it too. Road test commands are spoken in English only: "turn left," "change lanes," "parallel park," "back up," "yield." Indiana requires drivers to understand English road signs and communicate with law enforcement, which is the legal basis for the English-only road test rule.

1. Written instructions: The 50-question knowledge test displays on a computer screen in your selected language. Download the Indiana Driver's Manual to study beforehand.
2. Verbal instructions: The examiner gives time-sensitive spoken commands during your road test. You must recognize phrases like "turn left," "change lanes," and "parallel park."
3. Why English-only for road tests: Indiana requires drivers to understand English road signs and communicate with law enforcement.

If you're a parent who doesn't speak English, your teen can complete the permit process independently once old enough.

Language Errors That Fail Indiana BMV Road Test Applicants

Practice verbal commands with a fluent English speaker before your road test date. Misunderstanding an examiner's spoken command triggers automatic failure. Disobeying a traffic signal, failing to respond correctly to examiner directions, and not wearing a seatbelt are all automatic failures. Practice English driving commands with your supervising driver before the road test, a command misunderstood due to language barrier produces the same result as a command ignored.

You must recognize the examiner's basic operational and maneuver vocabulary before showing up.

Commands you must understand:

• Operational: Start, brake, turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers
• Maneuvers: Three-point turn, parallel park, lane change, yield, back up

Automatic failures include:

• Disobeying a traffic signal
• Causing an accident or dangerous action
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Failing to respond correctly to examiner directions

You can ask the examiner to clarify instructions before the test starts. Practice English commands with your supervising driver: an automatic failure for misunderstanding directions is a frustrating way to lose.

Complete State Form 39071 vehicle checklist before your appointment. If you're under 18, bring your completed 50-hour practice driving log (State Form 39069) as proof of supervised driving experience.